In Watertown, boating accidents and fatalities are a regular occurrence

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, from 2013 to 2014, deaths increased from 560 to 610, an 8.9% increase, injuries increased from 2,620 to 2,678, a 2.2% increase and the total number of accidents increased from 4,062 to 4,064, a 0.05% increase nationally. Where the cause of death was known, 78% of fatal boating accident victims drowned; of those drowning victims, 84% were not wearing a life jacket. The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft and cabin motorboats. The vessel types with the highest number of fatalities were open motorboats, canoes and kayaks. Go here to read the entire USCG report.

How and when to file a boating accident report after a boat accident in Watertown

Federal law requires the operator – or owner, if the operator is deceased or unable to make the report – to file a boating accident report with the New York reporting authority when, as a result of an occurrence that involves a boat or its equipment:

  • A person dies;
  • A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury;
  • A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid;
  • Damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 (lower amounts in some states and territories) or more;
  • The boat is destroyed.

Go to this site to learn about filing a boating accident report.

Boating Laws in New York

Learn about the specific boating laws in New York by going to this site. Topics covered in the reference guide include boating education, operator age, water skiing, boat noise, numbering & titling, personal watercraft, boating under the influence, personal flotation devices and more.

Common causes of Watertown boating accidents include:

operator inexperience;

operator inattention;

passenger/skier behavior;

weather;

equipment failure;

reckless operation;

failure to yield;

excessive speed and alcohol use.

Contact your insurance company immediately after an injury Watertown boating accident

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out how medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy. Since insurance policies often have unique provisions to deal with boat-accident injuries, it is important to review the policy and speak with the insurance adjuster to get clarification on coverage.

Personal injury lawyers offer a no-cost claim evaluation to help you.

Since there is no cost to speak with a lawyer, it is a good idea to learn more about your potential claim. Accident Data Center can help you by connecting you with our network of experienced injury lawyers who can provide you with information about your rights and options. Learn more here about the value of a no-cost legal claim evaluation.

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